Scale and Oxide Removal for Improved Coating Performance
The formation of scale and oxides in welding and laser cutting applications is a natural occurrence and a troublesome for paint shops. Even with expensive inert gas laser cutting, oxide formation is still possible if appropriate atmospheric conditions are not observed. Incomplete removal of weld and laser scale impedes paint from adhering to the substrate surface, resulting in premature corrosion and failure. Traditionally, applicators have utilized mechanical (media blasting, grinding) and strong acid pickles for scale and oxide removal but have various process, hazard and environmental disadvantages associated with them. Recent developments in near-neutral pH chemistries offer a multi-metal suitable process with excellent scale removal, improving both paint adhesion and corrosion resistance while eliminating many of the disadvantages of conventional methods. These processes are also highly versatile, suitable for spray and immersion applications and can easily be implemented in existing pretreatment washers for optimized plant operation.
Brandon Lloyd, MBA - Atotech Group
False Beliefs About Zirconium Pretreatments
Zirconium-based pretreatments are environmentally friendly replacements for iron phosphate, zinc phosphate, and chromate conversion coatings. This next generation technology is being used on a variety of substrates, including steels, galvanized steels, and aluminum. Zirconium pretreatments have been used commercially for over a decade but have not captured a major share of the market despite advantages such as the elimination of toxic compounds, cost savings, ease of use, and performance that matches other technologies. This session will explore the current state of the art in zirconium pretreatment. We will also address reasons why companies have been slow to adopt the new technology and will dispel common myths surrounding zirconium pretreatments.
Rashid Zakeri, MS - Circle Prosco, Inc.
Buffering of Nano Ceramic Technology
Nanoceramics are recommended to be operated with DI water. Hard water contaminants have been known to de-fluorinate the products, precipitate out key functional components, and cause pH stability issues. The introduction of nanoceramic cleaner coater products has seen an increase in the use of high conductivity city water. The use of city water can lead to difficulties maintaining pH as well as product concentration. This presentation will review the effect of increasing bath contamination using pH buffering compounds and the impact on corrosion performance.
Evan Lach – Henkel